Good afternoon,
I hope you all enjoyed your three-day weekend. It’s been a busy first two weeks back after vacation. I think we all could use the extra day to recover! While holidays are always a blessing - time to get caught up on rest, spend more time with family, get things done around the house - I also try to take time to honor the spirit of the day. I’ve spent some time this weekend reconnecting with the hope Martin Luther King represented for our nation, and recommitting to the work we still have to do to realize his vision. Every MLK Day, I try to reflect on one of his many inspiring quotes. This year, I found one I have not read before from the March for Integrated Schools, April 18, 1959.
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in."
This reminded me of one of the many people who inspired Dr. King, an educator! Marian Wright Edelman, President and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, is a champion for educational equity. Her life’s work is a huge driver for so many of us in education, including me. She reminds us that we still have work to do.
“A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back-but they are gone. We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you.”
― Marian Wright Edelman
The spirit of rolling our sleeves up and opening our hearts is what has always drawn me to Plainfield. Even in our small community, we have work to do to understand and fully welcome one another with our diverse lived experiences. And it starts with showing up and actually being in community with one another. I am so proud of the many ways Plainfield strives to do just that.
Speaking of supporting a variety of interests, being in community together, and rolling up our sleeves to get things done…
We had an incredible first day at Whaleback on Friday. A huge shout out to Donelle Bucholtz who, together with Betsy Underhill, did a phenomenal job of creating groups, orienting chaperones, and communicating with participants. I also want to thank all of the chaperones and teachers who helped with everything from dismissal, to lessons, to supervision at the mountain. Things went very smoothly! In particular, our 5th through 8th graders were complimented by many for their positive attitude and responsible behavior. Thanks for making us all proud!
We are looking forward to this Friday’s FAST program when ALL students will participate in their chosen activities. A couple of important reminders:
Whaleback Participants
- Pickup is at the mountain no later than 5 pm. If your child is staying to ski with other families, please arrange for a responsible adult to sign them out by 5 pm.
- Also, 5 pm is a long day for some of our younger students. We highly recommend an early pick-up for students in the lower grades.
- Skis and equipment must be at the school by 10 am for transport to Whaleback. Skis and poles go outside by the music room; bags containing helmets, ski pants, etc, are brought into the classroom.
NON-Whaleback Participants
All non-Whaleback FAST participants will be at PES for dismissal at 2:50 pm as per our usual dismissal procedures.
- Swimmers (CCBA) - please be sure to bring your swimsuits and any payment/waiver forms that have not yet been submitted. Swimmers will have a 30-minute lesson and 30 minutes of time to change and play games.
- Horsemanship - A good portion of the time at Willow Brook is spent outside. Please be sure your child plans accordingly.
- Skaters (KUA - Outdoor ice by the Barrette Student Center) - Make sure your child has skates and a helmet as well as appropriate outdoor winter clothing. The students will be outside for the entire duration of their time at the rink.
- Outdoor Winter Sports - We have snowshoes and equipment for snow sculptures, etc. If your child wants to participate in cross-country skiing, please be sure they bring the necessary equipment. Again, we will be outside for this program so outdoor winter clothing is important.
- Rock Climbing - students in this program should plan to have a pair of indoor sneakers (as they would for P.E. class.)
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning. Don’t forget we have morning sing for the lower grades promptly at 8:05.
Best,
Audra
PS - Some timely updates/reminders are below:
END-OF-DAY PARKING/PICK-UP REQUEST - Starting at 2:15, please do not enter the circle directly in front of the school. From 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm, this area is reserved for buses only. If you need to park to come in for a meeting or to pick your child up early, please use the parking lot on the side of the school. Thanks for your help to keep our students safe at dismissal.
ART NEWS
Art Club dates have changed for grades 2-4 See below and my website for updates
Grades 2 will meet 1/11, 1/25,2/8, 3/8,
Grades 3/4 will meet 3/22, 4/26, 5/10, 5/24, 6/7
Grades 5-8 Art Club and Set Design for play will meet 1/4, 1/18, 2/1, 2/15, 3/1, 3/15, 4/5, 4/19
5/3, 5/31
LOST AND FOUND - Please take a moment to look at our Lost and Found closet. The lost and found website is updated weekly.
JANUARY
16 No School - Martin Luther King Day
17 K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
17 MLK Recognition during Advisory/Morning Meeting
18 Art Club & Set Design Grades 5-8 3:00 pm
18 PES XC Skiing 2:50-4:15 pm
19 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Meeting – 6 pm - Library
19 Drama Club Meeting 11:25 am
20 FAST – Friday Afternoon Special Time
23 Friends of the Meriden Library, Soup and Good Books 6:30 pm
23 Drama Auditions 3:00 pm
24 K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
24 Drama Auditions 3:00 pm
25 Professional Development Committee Meeting – 3:10 to 4:30 - Library
25 PES School Board Meeting Budget Public Hearing , 5:30 pm – Music Room
25 PES XC Skiing 2:50-4:15 pm
25 Art Club Grade 2 3:00 pm
26 8th Grade to HACTC 8:45 am
26 Drama Club Meeting 11:25 am
27 FAST – Friday Afternoon Special Time
30 Drama Rehearsal 3:00 pm
31 K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
31 Drama Rehearsal - Music Focus 4:30 pm